1 week Ago
Donald Trump laid out his vengeful ideas throughout the pre-election discussions and rallies. He promised to fix America and make it great again. He has kept his word – America is today well and truly fixed.
The US owes China $750bn (€685bn). Commercial construction costs have soared, leading to the cancellation of some current projects as tariffs cause massive price increases for material. How anyone can rely on the financial wisdom of a man whose casinos went bankrupt is beyond belief.
The problem is that his stupidity could create a long-term worldwide recession. Time for all nations to leave Trump’s America to Vladimir Putin and trade with each other. Declan Foley, Melbourne, Australia US president’s avoidance of communication could exacerbate EU problems There is reportedly a feeling within the EU and the European Commission that the EU will have to hit back at the US with counter-tariffs.
It is their contention that it is only at that point, potentially, that Donald Trump might be brought to the table. They believe this could happen in several weeks or potentially in a few months’ time, with the view of striking a deal. One of the problems the EU faces at the moment is it is struggling to develop a firm line of communication with Trump himself.
It seems to me he is quite happy to let everyone sweat. It is as if he is saying: “I will talk to you when I am good and ready.” Trump and his billionaire colleagues believe this extraordinary gamble will work.
If by some chance it did, the pieces will then land, but they will never return to their old places. John O’Brien, Clonmel, Co Tipperary Trump merely doing what he said he would, so it’s a bit late to start panicking While no one – especially those whose income and pensions are tied to the stock market – likes to see major downward trends, some of the recent commentary in relation to the same is verging on the hysterical. After all, Donald Trump is merely carrying out his promises to the electorate who voted for him by trying to restore a semblance of balance to the US trade deficit and stimulate home-grown industry and jobs.
Whether his policies will work is a different matter. In this context, it’s a bit rich for the EU and others to cry foul when their tariffs on US goods (and their internal trade barriers ) are greater than those applied by the US. In the overall scheme, the MSCI (world index of shares ) was down 0.
09pc as of the April 7. This compares with a fall of 17.7pc in 2022.
There is a danger that anti-Trump hysteria among the liberal commentariat is leading to a lack of perspective. It’s early days, but no cause for panic – just yet ! Eric Conway, Navan, Co Meath Is tariffs war a blatantly obvious ploy to make Donald pals even richer? I am not a financier and know nothing about the subject. The thought crossed my mind – could this tariff lark of Trump’s be a worldwide scam for the benefit of his rich mates? When the stock market is down, shares tend to be dumped on the market at rock-bottom prices, allowing rich people with plenty of money to buy them.
These shares will eventually return to their original value once the market has settled. So who benefits? A look into who is buying these shares might tell a story. Just a thought.
John Fair, Castlebar, Co Mayo If you thought Irish tax system was severe, you should see US version If you’re not a fan of the Irish tax system, don’t swap it for the American system. The basic tax rate for the average salary is 12pc. This is offset by the average property tax being $10,000 for a house.
Then there is the average state tax of 5pc, and one must not forget the sales tax, which comes in at 10.25pc. Sewerage and garbage tax is about $80 a month.
There is also a heavy tax on cellphones, electricity and cable TV, plus $800 for the average couple to get insurance from Medicare. House insurance is also expensive and car insurance not far behind. This is not the land of low taxes.
Kieran McHale, Chicago Person who issues the invitation is one who should pick up the bill I’m in receipt of the free travel card, and on many of the first dates I went on, the person I was with was lucky to get an ice cream or a Fanta – if I was feeling particularly generous (‘Who should be expected to pay for dinner on a first date?’, Irish Independent , April 8). These days, the bar appears to have been raised to dinner, drinks and an unspoken financial dance. I’m all for equality, but that’s where my conundrum begins.
If both parties are equal, why should one always pay? On the other hand, there’s still something oddly charming (and a bit theatrical) about someone gallantly whipping out their card at the end of the meal. Perhaps the fairest solution is this: whoever issued the invitation pays. Failing that, split it and save the awkward silences for the main course.
Enda Cullen, Tullysaran Road, Armagh Government unharmed by failure to keep promise to build 40,000 homes A claim that 40,000 new homes would be built in 2024 has not damaged trust in the Government, Transport and Environment Minister Darragh O’Brien has said. Apparently only 30,330 were built. If the minister had done a survey with the 9,670 people who didn’t get a house in 2024, he might have got a different set of statistics Seamus McLoughlin, Keshcarrigan, Co Leitrim Mairead wasn’t exactly upfront when questioned about plans for the Áras On Upfront with Katie Hannon , Mairead McGuinness was somewhat less than upfront when asked about any plans she might have for a tilt at the presidency.
Mairead informed us that for now she is “on the farm”. Mind you, should persuaders come calling regarding the Áras job, one wonders just how they’re gonna keep her down on the farm. Tom Gilsenan, Beaumont, Dublin 9.
